Report: Bruins, Brad Marchand close to deal

WILMINGTON — According to a tweet from ESPN’s James Murphy, the Bruins could finally sign restricted free agent Brad Marchand on Wednesday.

Tweeted Murphy: Brad Marchand’s agent Wade Arnott just told me: “We are closing in on a deal for Brad ‘ it will likely get done today.”

A deal for Marchand prior to Friday would save both sides the headache of what would essentially be a holdout. Without a deal, the risk involved in showing up to training camp and potentially being hurt would potentially prevent Marchand from showing up, though he’s participated in each veterans’ skate.